Penang industrialisation pioneer Chet Singh dies at 90

GEORGE TOWN: Former Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Seri Chet Singh Karam Singh, widely regarded as one of the architects of Penang's industrialisation, died this morning. He was 90.

His death was confirmed by his daughter, Surita Amreeth Karamsingh, when contacted.

Chet Singh's passing marks the end of an era for a man who, alongside the late former chief minister Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, played a pivotal role in transforming Penang into the 'Silicon Valley of the East'.

Born in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, in 1936, Chet began his civil service career at the Defence Ministry before being appointed Penang State Financial Officer in late 1967.

Following the establishment of PDC after Penang lost its free port status, Chet was seconded to lead the corporation.

He served as its general manager for 20 years, from 1971 until his retirement in 1991.

Under his leadership, Penang underwent a rapid transformation from a state grappling with severe unemployment following the loss of its port status into an export-oriented industrial hub.

He played a key role in attracting multinational semiconductor companies, including National Semiconductor, AMD, Hewlett-Packard and Intel, to establish their pioneering offshore manufacturing operations in the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone.

By the time he retired in 1991, the state's industrial parks housed more than 500 manufacturing companies employing over 115,000 workers, reversing the economic decline and raising Penang's per capita income well above the national average.

According to a bereavement notice shared by Gurdwara Sahib Bayan Baru, the wake will be held tomorrow from 9.30am at his residence in Minden Heights, Gelugor.

Family members and friends may pay their final respects before the cortege departs at 2.15pm.

The funeral and last rites (saskar) will be held at the Batu Gantung Crematorium at 3pm.